Research Summary
Local delivery of drugs is a promising strategy for managing periodontitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. An optimized system should prolong drug retention time and exhibit controlled drug permeation through the buccal mucosal layer. This study aimed to develop a hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)-based gel containing metronidazole (MTZ) loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to enhance the antimicrobial activity of MTZ.
SLNs were prepared using a combination of solvent evaporation and hot homogenization methods. The results showed that the fabricated SLNs, comprising Precirol (2.93%, w/v), Tween 80 (1.8%, w/v), and a drug-to-lipid ratio of 19.3% (w/w), were approximately 200 nm in size with a narrow distribution. The HEC (3%, w/w)-based gel formed a smooth, homogeneous structure and had preferable mechanical and rheological properties.
Moreover, the MTZ-loaded SLNs-based HEC gel (equivalent to 1% of MTZ, w/w) exhibited a sustained in vitro drug release pattern, optimal ex vivo permeability, and enhanced in vitro antimicrobial activity after 24 hours of treatment. These findings indicate the potential of the MTZ-loaded SLNs-based HEC formulation for local drug delivery at the buccal mucosa in managing periodontal disease.
Keywords: Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Solid lipid nanoparticle, Periodontal disease.
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